painted lady fern
Athyrium niponicum
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, gray/silver, green, purple/lavender, red/burgundy
Garden uses
Notes
Painted lady fern (Athyrium niponicum) is a fern for borders, shade gardens, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Its arching fronds mix green, silver, purple, and burgundy tones. It stays low and tidy, so it needs little care.
Pairs well with Lungwort, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Hinoki cypress.
Native range
Eastern Asia.